Maa Siddhidatri is the ninth divine form of Goddess Durga, revered as the granter of all spiritual accomplishments and divine powers. Her name holds deep meaning—“Siddhi” signifies supernatural abilities or spiritual perfection attained through meditation, while “Dhatri” means the one who bestows. Thus, Maa Siddhidatri is the goddess who blesses her devotees with spiritual fulfillment and divine grace.
She is worshiped with immense devotion on the ninth day of Navratri, a grand festival celebrated across India. The word Navratri means “nine nights,” dedicated to honoring the nine forms of Goddess Durga, each representing a unique spiritual aspect. The festival spans nine nights and ten days and concludes with Vijayadashami (Dussehra), symbolizing the victory of good over evil.
During these sacred nights, devotees observe fasts, chant hymns, and participate in traditional dances like Garba and Dandiya. Each night is devoted to a specific form of the goddess, with the ninth night dedicated to Maa Siddhidatri, who fulfills the divine aspirations and spiritual desires of her devotees.
Maa Siddhidatri Devi: Glory of the Ninth Shakti of Navratri
The name of the ninth power of Maa Durga is Siddhidatri, who is considered to be the goddess who bestows all kinds of siddhis. She is specially worshipped on the ninth day of Navratri. Her name is made up of two words: “Siddhi” means supernatural powers or the highest state of meditation, and “Datri” means giver or bestower of gifts. On this day, if a devotee worships her with full devotion and according to the scriptures, he attains all the siddhis.
According to religious belief, Lord Shiva himself had attained many divine siddhis by worshiping Maa Siddhidatri, after which he appeared in the form of Ardhanarishwar. Ardhanarishwar is the form in which half of Shiva’s body is that of Maa Siddhidatri.
Divine form of Maa Siddhidatri
The appearance of Mother Siddhidatri is very gentle and attractive. She sits on a lotus seat and has four arms. In these four arms, she holds a lotus, a conch, a mace and a chakra. This posture of hers blesses the devotees and removes all their troubles. Her vehicle is a lion, which is considered a symbol of strength and courage.
Goddess of Ashta Siddhis and Ardhanarishwar form: Mythology of Mata Siddhidatri and Lord Shiva
The mythology of Mata Siddhidatri is associated with the worship of Goddess Kushmanda on the fourth day of Navratri. Goddess Kushmanda created the entire universe. When the three major deities were born, Lord Shiva sought special blessings from Goddess Kushmanda and prayed her to grant some special siddhis. Goddess Kushmanda was pleased with this request of Mahadev and she granted him 18 special types of siddhis. That is why she was named Siddhidatri.
Out of these siddhis, eight are considered major siddhis, and the remaining ten are secondary. Mata Siddhidatri gave 18 siddhis to Lord Shiva, while Brahma Ji and Lord Vishnu were given eight major siddhis, known as Ashta Siddhis. After this, a wonderful incident happened, in which half of Bholenath’s body became one with the half body of Mata Siddhidatri, and for this reason Lord Shiva got a name Ardhanarishwar, which means “whose half body is of a woman and half of a man.”
Mata Siddhidatri sits on a lotus seat like Goddess Lakshmi. She has four hands, which hold a conch, chakra, mace, and lotus flower. Goddess Siddhidatri wears red clothes, which symbolizes her supernatural powers. She is worshiped not only by humans, but also by gods, Gandharvas, sages and demons. Mata Siddhidatri is also considered as Goddess Saraswati, and by worshiping her all the tasks are accomplished and salvation is attained.
On this day, it is considered auspicious for the devotees to wear purple or purple colored clothes. Also, performing havan and yagya has special significance, as it is the last day of Navratri. On this day, all the gods and goddesses are offered sacrifices and their blessings are obtained. Many people also perform Kanya Pujan on the day of Navami, which is the specialty of this day.
Eight Divine Powers of Maa Siddhidatri
Maa Siddhidatri Devi, who is considered to be the original form of Goddess Parvati, has eight amazing supernatural powers, called Siddhis. These include Anima (making the body as small as an atom), Mahima (being infinitely large), Garima (being extremely heavy), Laghima (being weightless), Prapti (being omnipresent), Prakambya (fulfilling desires), Ishitwa (complete dominance) and Vashitwa (subduing everyone).
It is believed that Lord Shiva was blessed with all these eight powers by worshiping Maa Siddhidatri. Through these Siddhis, Lord Shiva helped in running the entire work of the creation smoothly. By worshiping Maa Siddhidatri, the seeker also gets the blessing of these amazing powers, which leads him to progress at both spiritual and material levels.
Mother Siddhidatri’s favourite colour and favourite flower
Mother Siddhidatri loves the colour purple. Wearing blue or purple coloured clothes on the ninth day of Navratri is considered extremely auspicious. Offering red coloured hibiscus or rose flowers to Mother Siddhidatri on this day bestows her blessings and fulfills the wishes of the devotees.
Favorite Bhog of Maa Siddhidatri
Seasonal fruits, coconut, black gram, kheer and vegetables are offered to Maa Siddhidatri.
Mantra of Maa Siddhidatri
Om Devi Siddhidatryai Namah
Ya Devi Sarvabhuteshu Maa Siddhidatri Rupena Sansthita.
Namastasyai Namastasyai Namastasyai Namo Namah.
